could be lured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be lured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something being attracted or enticed into a particular situation or action. Example: "The unsuspecting traveler could be lured into a trap by the promise of a hidden treasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It says that 'vulnerable' groups could be lured into gambling.

The Guardian

If he could be lured to H-P, the company really might become interesting.

The Economist

He said he thought the horse could be lured back into the barn.

The New York Times

First, Dempster will be a free agent after this season, and could be lured away by a bigger contract.

The New York Times

Hanging on to her may be difficult (some people wonder whether she could be lured into politics).

The Economist

Perhaps Neil Bush's stunning model-daughter Lauren could be lured from whatever Parisian photographer's atelier she now adorns.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Does Perry not realize he could be luring nuclear submarine makers from New London?

The New York Times

Although Mr. Paredes said he was not able to give concrete reasons for the drop, he noted that high-paying, low-skilled jobs in the Eagle Ford Shale and the oil boom in West Texas could be luring many would-be students.

The New York Times

It's hard to say how this will all play out, but King says in a best-case scenario, the real benefit could be luring new Linux developers to this older-style computing platform.

TechCrunch

Another hypothesis is that rapidly warming water in the Gulf of Maine, which includes Cape Cod Bay and waters north to Nova Scotia, could be luring turtles farther north than they once ventured, causing more to become trapped on their southbound journey when the water cools in the fall.

Science Magazine

Until this time, it was believed that television audiences could not be lured to Broadway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be lured" when emphasizing the possibility of someone being attracted or enticed by something, often implying a degree of vulnerability or susceptibility.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "could be lured" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "might be attracted" or "could be drawn" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be lured" functions as a passive construction indicating a possibility. It suggests that someone or something is susceptible to being attracted or enticed into a particular situation or action. The Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be lured" is a commonly used phrase to express the possibility of someone or something being enticed or attracted into a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts like News & Media, Formal & Business settings, and even scientific publications. While it maintains a neutral register, writers should be mindful of the potential implication of vulnerability or manipulation and choose the phrase accordingly. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "might be attracted" or "could be drawn" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be enticed

Emphasizes temptation or attraction towards something.

may be attracted

Focuses on the potential for someone to find something appealing.

could be drawn in

Highlights the act of being pulled or influenced towards something.

might be tempted

Stresses the aspect of being persuaded or inclined to do something.

may be seduced

Suggests a stronger form of enticement, often with negative connotations.

could be won over

Implies a process of persuasion and eventual acceptance.

might be swayed

Focuses on the influence that leads to a change in opinion or action.

may be charmed

Highlights the use of charm to attract or influence someone.

could be induced

Suggests a formal or official persuasion to do something.

might be coaxed

Emphasizes a gentle and persuasive approach to attract or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "could be lured" in a sentence?

The phrase "could be lured" suggests a possibility of someone or something being attracted or enticed. For example, "Tourists "could be lured" to the new attraction with discounted tickets."

What are some alternatives to "could be lured"?

You can use alternatives like "might be enticed", "may be attracted", or "could be drawn in" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "could be lured" or "might be forced"?

"Could be lured" implies attraction or enticement, while "might be forced" suggests coercion. The choice depends on whether the situation involves attraction or compulsion. They aren't interchangeable.

What's the difference between "could be lured" and "could be convinced"?

"Could be lured" often implies a subtle or tempting attraction, sometimes exploiting a weakness. "Could be convinced", on the other hand, suggests a rational persuasion based on facts or arguments.